ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE The inimitable Aldwych Theatre comedy "team" is up to all its oldtime pranks in "Turkey Time," the Gaumont-British production which opened a season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. There is Italph Lynn, with his ineffectual good nature and inano expressions, Tom Wall, with his typical mannerisms and man-about-town style, poor little down-trodden Robertson Hare, and, of course, the delightful Mary Brough, with all her determination to "stand on her dignity" and uphold her moral convictions. "Turkey Time" is the first production since the earliest film successes to reunite all four comedians, and in addition • a very able supporting cast has been assembled. Written by Ben Travers, the story is naturally an ingeniously constructed scries of ludicrous situations, to which added zest is given by clever dialogue. As the title indicates, the action'takes place in the Christmas season, the locale being the very prim and sedate home of Mr. and Mrs. Stoatt, a partnership in which Mrs. Stoatt, a part played with great subtlety and humour by Norma Varden, is the dominant factor. Robertson Hare is undoubtedly one of the mildest and most brow-beaten husbands who have yet appeared on the screen, and his submissive personality lends itself admirably to burlesque. Guests at this home over Christmas include Max Wheeler, a self-assured exranchman from Montana, played by Tom Walls, and his cousin, David Winterton, tho monocled Ralph* Lynn, who aids and abets him in a little schemn ho undertakes to assist a charming girl who has been placed in financial difficulties by the bankruptcy of the small pierrot troupe to which she belongs. In the meantime a complication is caused by the interference of the very righteous Mrs. Gather, her landlady. It need hardly be mentioned that as Mrs. Gather Mary Brough is a marvel of comedy caricature. Max shows great adroitness in his explanations and a rather tense situation clears as the rest of the household sets out to take part in carol-singing, leaving Max and his cousin to plan a way of getting their young girl friend from the clutches of Mrs. Gather, whose rent is now long overdue. The succeeding scenes are hilarious, and the film ends with a scene in the real old farce tradition. In addition to the comedy principal roles, Dorothy Hyson and Veronica Rose are pleasing as the two young girls who supply tho reason for many of tho strange subterfuges tho principals have to adopt. There is an interesting supporting programme, including two varied newsreels, and delightful views of the beauties of England's New Forest.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two full-length comedy films are attracting large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The first film, ".Let's Talk It Over,'* is given a particularly bright interpretation by a talented cast headed by Chester Morris, Mae Clark and Andy Devine. Chester Morris will be remembered for his excellent performance with Wallace Beery in "The Big House," and his part in this latest picture is admirably suited to his talents. He appears as a rough-mannered sailor who rescues a girl from drowning and then falls in love with her. He becomes embittered when he finds that she has made a wager to convert him into a polished gentleman, and .his rash actions finally convince the girl that his love is genuine. A Warners Brothers' picture, "Easy to Love," also is being shown.

MAJESTIC THEATRE A thrilling story of the activities of a daring "gang" of thieves is unfolded in "The Four Masked Men," which was shown for the first time at the Msijestio Theatre yesterday. Opening in London, where four friends are having a dinner on the eve of the departure of one of them for South America, the scene shifts to the camp where he is employed as an engineer, and then to a brilliant ball given by the president of the republic, at which the "gang" carries off a successful raid and escapes with the jewels of the ladies. However, in an attempt to prevent the escape of . the leader, tho young engineer has a momentary glimpse of his face when his mask slips aside. Shortly after his return to London he is present when another raid is carried out by the thieves, who have transferred their activities to England. On their departure the young engineer is found fatally injured and he dies before he can tell the secret he has discovered. His brother swears to avenge his death. In spite of himself he is forced to suspect a beautiful girl, who was present on the occasion of the earlier raid in South America. How his investigations reveal complicity on the part of another old acquaintance, and his attempt to trace tho thieves to their lair, leads to an exciting climax, while abundant humour is provided by the willing, but hardly successful, efforts of an old friend and his butler to assist him. Judy Kelly, the young Australian actress, acts well in the chief feminine role, whole John Stuart, Athol Stewart and Richard Cooper fill the leading male roles. Miles Mander, who can always be relied upon for a good performance, introduces some good acting in an unsympathetic part. Features of the supporting programme are a Paths Gazette, showing pictures of the Ascot race meetings, and the second cricket test match, an Ideal Sound Cinemagazine, and an excellent film on trout fishing in New Zealand prepared by the Government.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The splendid double-feature proRramme at the Crystal Palace Theatre is headed by "Sons of the Desert," an hilarious comedv in which Laurel and Hardy appear. Robert Montgomery aud Madge Evans aro the principals in "Fugitive Lovers," the second film. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA The entertainment at the State Theatre, Onehunga, comprises "The Lost Patrol" and "Fashion Gaieties of 1934." CAPITOL THEATRE Georgo Wallace, one of the most popular stage comedians in Australia and Now Zealand, gives a splendid performance in "A Ticket in Tatts," which is being shown at the Capitol Theatre with "Dear Old London." SUNDAY PICTURES Typical English comedy is provided in "Let Me Explain, Dear," which will lie shown at the Rialto Theatre to-mor-row night in aid of the Mayoress of Newmarket's fund for the relief of distress in the district. Gene Gerrard is the principal. RIALTO THEATRE Zasu Pitts heads a cast of well-known comedians in "Three on a Honeymoon." which is being shown with "Flying Down to Rio" at the Rialto Theatre. NEW REGENT THEATRE "Footlight Parade" heads an entertaining programme at the Now Regent Theatre, Epsom. TUDOR CINEMA The story of Russia's most celebrated empress, Catharine tho Great, is graphically told in the fikn of the same name, which is boing screened at the Tudor Cinema.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE "Sadie McKee," the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production heading the new programme at St. James' Theatre, is a powerful drama of modern life, and it will be lone remembered by all who are fortunate enough to see it. In the title role, Joan Crawford, the vivacious leading player in several recent films, notably "Dancing Lady" and "To-day We Live," is seen at her best, and achieves perhaps the greatest triumph of her career. The story of "Sadie McKee" is from the pen of Vina Delmar, and deals with the problems and adventures of an ambitious young woman who is left stranded and friendless in New York City, but who ultimately finds success and happiness. Miss Crawford has never given a more convincing portrayal—she makes her part live. Playing opposite her is Franchot Tone, who was associated with Miss Crawford in "To-day We Live" and "Dancing Lady." He gives a realistic performance as a prosperous young lawyer and one of Sadie's many admirers. Other important male roles are enacted by Edward Arnold, who is cast as a middleaged and pleasure-loving millionaire, and by Gene Raymond, who is seen as an impecunious and somewhat weakwilled young man. Both give excellent interpretations of their parts. Also in the picture are popular Esther Ralston, Jean Dixon. Gene Austin and Leo CarToll. The last-named is admirably placed as an eccentric butler. Witty dialogue and bright music are features of the film. Many of the scenes are on a most lavish scale, particularly those set iij the cabarets and the night clubs of New York. The supporting pictures are of an equally high standard. Fright," a burlesque on aviation, being especially good. Recent important happenings overseas are illustrated in two of the latest news gazettes of the Hearst Movietone News and Cinesound Review series. The latter shows the All Blacks at practice in Sydney. A James Fitzpatfick travelogue dealing with Norwegian scenery and customs completes the programme, which is assured of a successful season.

CIVIC THEATRE With two old and tried screen favourites in Charles Ruggles and Marj' Boland and two very promising younger players in Lanny Ross, popular American radio singer, and Ann Sothern, in the chief roles, " Melody in Spring," which opened a season at the Civic Theatre yesterday, is well supplied with principals. Lanny Ross, who makes his film debut, has ample opportunity to display his vocal ability in the part of a young singer who is endeavouring to secure employment from a wealthy biscuit manufacturer in his daily radio advertising hour. The manufacturer, who is an inveterate souvenir hunter, is unfortunately prejudiced against him as the result of an encounter which almost prevented the knob from a bed, in which George Washington had slept, being added to a comprehensive, collection of souvenirs. As a result he is not able to appreciate the young singer's vocal efforts as much as otherwise might have been the case. Although his singing apparently evokes nothing but distaste, the young man resolves to wear down the manufacturer's resistance by singing to him on every possible occa--sion, and pursues the unfortunate man from America to Paris and even to a remote Swiss village. In this he is somewhat aided by the well-meaning psychological experiments of the manufacturer's wife, who hopes to cure her daughter's love for the young man by letting her see how unkind he is being to her father. " Ending With a Kiss," " Melody in Spring " and " The Open Road," are among the tuneful songs introduced in the film. Charles Ruggles gives a delightful performance as the manufacturer, whose unending search for souvenirs leads him, his pursuer and his daughter to imprisonment for varying periods in a Swiss gaol, while Mary Boland is excellently cast in a typical role as his well-meaning wife, whose efforts to curb the admittedly eccentric habits of her husband are sometimes attended with unfortunate results. Ann Sothern, as the daughter, proves herself to be one of the most charming of the younger American actresses. The photography of some picturesque spring scenes is a feature of the production. Among the shorter films is a comedy, "The New Dealers," a Betty Boop cartoon, another of the Screen Souvenirs series and a Para-mount-British newsreel.

NATIONAL THEATRE A most entertaining double-feature programme is being presented at the National Theatre. The first attraction, "Advice to the Lovelorn," is notable for the fine performance of Lee Tracy in the principal role. Cast as a noted reporter on a large metropolitan daily newspaper, Mr. Tracy has a part well suited to his talents. The opening scenes show how he sleeps soundly through an earthquake, thus missing the best story of the year. The editor of the paper, incensed at his failure, assigns him to the task of writing the "agony" column. All the trials and tribulations connected with the work fall upon his shoulders and the story moves from one ludicrous situation to another and concludes with an hilarious climax. Sally Blane takes the leading feminine part, while the supporting players include Isabel Jewel, Paul Harvey and Judith Wood. Two popular actresses, Judith Anderson and Frances Dee, are cast as rivals for the love of George Bancroft, who takes the principal role in "Blood Money," the second film.

STRAND THEATRE Lavishly produced and directed in masterly style, "Princess Charming," the current attraction at the Strand Theatre, is one of the most delightful musical comedies ever presented. A recent Britisli-Gaumont film, it definitely enhances tho prestige of English pictures. Evelyn Laye, an attractive young English actress who has rapidly* gained great popularity with her performances in such films as "Waltz Time," takes tho leading part of a Iluritanian princess who elopes with a captain when it is arranged that she should marry a kiug. There is a particularly strong supporting cast. STATE THEATRE Clark Gable and Claudetto Colbert appear in the principal roles of "It Happened One Night," tho main attraction at the State Theatre. Tho film enjoyed an exceptionally popular season at St. James' Theatre.. Mr. Gable is cast as a struggling newspaper reporter, who meets an impetuous heire/s, Claudette Colbert, in a transcontinental motor-coach. Tho girl is running away from her father, and Gable, forseeing a good story in her ultimate discovery, helps her to escape. There is a strong cast of supporting players. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "The Big House," a thrilling drama of prison life, heads an attractive programme at the Prince Edward Theatre. Splendid performances come from the principals, among whom are Wallace Beery, Robert Montgomery and Chester Morris. The programme is completed by "Tho Mask of Fu Manchu," with Horis Karloff in the leading role. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA Adapted from tho popular novel by tho late Edgar Wallace, "Tho Yellow Mask" heads the programme being presented at tho London Newsreel Cinema. There is a fine supporting programme. BRITANNIA THEATRE The entertainment at the Britannia Theatre comprises "Tillie and Gus" and "Queen Christina." NEW EMPIRE THEATRE "The Gold Diggers of 1933" and "Beauty for Sale" are the films at the New Empire Theatre..

REGENT THEATRE With the Austro-Italian frontier ag its background, "On Secret Service,"which commenced its Auckland season at the Regent Theatre yesterday, ia packed with thrills. It is a powerful drama of conflicting emotions in whicl* a man and a woman, spies for enemy nations, are torn between love and duty. As the beautiful Italian spy, caught in a whirlpool of international intrigue, Greta Nissen is splendid. She has to go through the whole gamut of human emotions, but comes through with flying colours. Equally convincing as the cold and relentless spy, intent upon duty, and the emotioual woman in the arms of her. lover, Miss Nissen gives a most polished performance. Playing opposite to her is Carl Diehl, whose portrayal of von Hombergk, Austrian spy, is magnificent. Although new to New Zealand picturegoers, Diehl's reputation as an outstanding character actor was established in Germany some years ago. Superb acting is seen in the tense climax where the Austrian bas a few seconds in which to make a decision whether he is going to take-off in his aeroplane—and do his duty to his country—or stay behind and save the life of the woman he loves. Other actors on the cast are Esme Percy, who gives a most natural characterisation of the Italian newspaper reporter who has betrayed his country, and Lester Matthews, as the officer commanding the Italian Secret Service. With its excellent plot, good acting and thrills, the film provides most enjoyable entertainment. Heading the supporting programme is a Paramount News containing an interesting interview with Samuel Insull after his release on bail in Chicago, and a Pathe Pictorial, in wlwch Graham Payne, tho South African boy soprano appears. His rendering of "In An Old Fashioned xown" thoroughly delighted last night's large audience. "Brock the Badger" ia a most instructive film, giving an insight into the habits of the descendants of the English bear, while "Amokura," a locally-produced Bcreen. ver* sion of a, beautiful Maori legend conn pletes a fine programme.

COMMUNITY SINGING On account of the success of the "Robin Hood" pageant-drama the community singing gathering which was to have been held by Mr, Albert Russell in the Town Hall to-night has been postponed until Tuesday, August 28. Patrons unable to attend may securs a refund of ticket money. The usual community singing gathering will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday,

DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT A gripping mystery drama, " The Phantom of Carlton Manor," will be presented in the Scots Hall on Wednesday and Thursday nights under the direction of Donna Voorhees. MUSIC AND DRAMA RECITAL A musical and dramatic recital under the auspices of Mrs. Zoe Bartley Baxter will be given by Miss Doreen Saunders in the Lewis Eady Hall on Monday evening. FAREWELL CONCERT A farewell concert to Mr. H. F. Davis, who is leaving for the United States, will be given by advanced pupil 3 of Mr. W. A. Garratt m the Lewis Eady Hall on Tuesday evening. HAYDN'S 14 CREATION M Haydn's immortal oratorio "Creation" will be presented by the associated Methodist choirs in the Pitt Street Methodist Church on Thursday evening. Mr. Albert Bryant will be the conductor. COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL The competitions organised by the Auckland Society of Musicians will be j held from August 20 to 22. Particulars are advertised. "THE YOUNG IDEA" Particulars of preferential ■ booking for the Garrick Dramatic Society's forthcoming production, Noel Coward'# "The Young Idea," are advertised.